She said: “I was shocked and so relieved that I did better than expected – surpassed my expectations! I have had a great time here since year 7, the teachers really care about the subjects they teach and their students especially my RS teachers.”

Helena Walsh achieved an A* in music, an A* in Religious Studies and an A in English literature.

Helena, who plays cello and piano, is off to study Music at either Oxford or Manchester.

“I was pleasantly surprised by my results. I have really enjoyed my time here at Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College and have made many great friends. I am now ready for the next step in my education,” said Helena.

Krisella Lyons achieved an A* in law, an A in psychology and an A in English.

Krisella said: “I am so pleased! I have so enjoyed my time here at Sandbach High School. It is such a relief to get the results I needed to go to Manchester University to study law. I was so nervous but the teachers have been so supportive. It really is the end of an era!”

Other high achievers included Emma Stephen who achieved A* in biology, A in chemistry and B in maths. She is going to the University of Leeds to study medicine.

Emma Jerstice achieved an A* in maths, A in further maths, A in chemistry and A in physics. Emma is going to Imperial College, London to study computer science.

Students at Sandbach High are accepting places at Oxford to read music, Cambridge to read natural sciences and in addition we have several students reading medicine and dentistry.

Two students are attending music conservatoires, with fellow students following other subjects ranging from law to teaching, health and social care to engineering, mathematics through to fashion.

The number of top grades, A* and A grades and vocational equivalents, are in line with national averages whilst the pass rate for grades A* to E at the school was significantly above.

The top grade, A*, was achieved across a range of subjects including biology, chemistry, English Literature, food, law, mathematics, PE and RS highlighting a strength in depth. Similar success was enjoyed by students following vocational courses in business and hospitality & catering, for example.

Several of the school’s students are able to follow their lifelong ambitions, with one student taking up her place with the RAF and another pursuing her international gymnastic career, confident that she can fall back if necessary on some impressive A level results.

Mr Leigh said: “These results are highly pleasing and reflect a successful outcome for our students and their teachers. Curriculum and assessment changes have made it difficult to predict results but for our part our students have exceeded expectations as reflected in their excellent progress.”